Job Description

This role provides strategic direction and technical leadership to a team of approximately 7 associates responsible for the discovery and translation of new packaging solutions. The role represents R&D in the relevant product/pack business teams and represents regional / markets in global teams as appropriate. The role provides technical coaching to the team to support talent development and recognition of technical expertise in product and pack innovation. Champion of Design quality and collaborates with Quality Manager to achieve the Mars Standards. This role provides operational leadership for existing product support, existing product renovation, new product development, quality design and the synthesis of all aspects of product performance in delivering the consumer proposition. Works closely with senior leadership to provide directional framework for innovative products and existing products, lends functional expertise in the integration of new capabilities from Global Technology platforms and external sources. The role will be accountable for regional design projects and have responsibility for brand solutions as well as value leadership in a region / segment.

What are we looking for?

• B.S. Degree in Packaging Science or related scientific /technical discipline with 8+ years of relevant experience with demonstrated technical leadership capabilities.
• And/or - Advanced degree in packaging, engineering, food science or closely related technical disciplines with 6+ years of Mars related experience or 5+ years relevant external experience.
• And/or - Combination of education and 17+ years with increased responsibilities and demonstrated success in a closely related food industry role
• Preferred experience in line management with a proven track record in coaching and development teams an individuals
• Minimum of 1 year of team leadership experience in a Fast Moving Consumer Goods environment
• Significant industry experience across a range of R&D sub­functions product/ pack/ process/ quality) within food or consumer goods.
• Technical project/program management experience – of significant scale (be that a single project of broad impact/scale or the management of multiple small projects).

What will be your key responsibilities?

• This role leads and coaches the team and is accountable for all packaging development and implementation.
• Develops innovative packaging design solutions to support Innovation pipeline and project portfolio plans
• Provides direction and framework for new product/packaging innovation pipeline
• Responsible for the exploration and integration of new packaging capabilities in supply network
• Prioritizes and deploys resources (people and money) to optimize the delivery of the project portfolio.
• Ensures proper documentation and knowledge management within the project portfolio
• Provides functional expertise in innovation management to generate differentiated and relevant new packaging designs
• Provides functional expertise and value leadership
• Leads the resolution of key technical packaging issues for the brand / segment.
• Establishes Standards of Excellence for the team and Best in Class benchmarks to clarify design objectives
• Supports the IP strategy for the product line and ensures freedom to operate for new and existing packaging within their portfolio

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 like-minded and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

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